This page contains a list of tours that I am able to organize but these can be tailored to suit any group. The lonely planet map below will help to visualise some of the routes available. Prices vary depending on the group size, generally the larger the group the cheaper it is. To arrange a trek please visit the contact page to get in touch with me.
For more photos and videos and also examples of trips other people have been on see the gallery posts here.
3-Day Tour
- Including:
-
- 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
- guide
- scout
- cook & cooking materials
- mule(s) & mule handler
- tent
- sleeping bags & mattresses
- all park entrance fees
- plenty of food & bottled mineral water
- Excluding:
-
- alcoholic drinks
- Day 1:
- We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive from Gonder to Sankaber camp. You can pass over the first camp site called Buit Ras. Spend a night at Sankaber camp site. You could visit some viewpoints and endemic species.
- Day 2:
- Walk from Sankaber to Geech. Five to Six hours walk. You could see many fascinating things including the big waterfall, river, birds, different plants, species and so on (Gelada baboons of course!). Spend the second night at Geech site.
Day 3:
Walk from Geech to a place called Ambaras; it takes about two hours to get to the main road and that is a place where we meet the driver with the jeep. Then as soon as you arrive in Ambaras you will start driving to Gonder via Debark, about five hours driving!
4-Day Tour
- Including:
-
- 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
- guide
- scout
- cook & cooking materials
- mule(s) & mule handler
- tent
- sleeping bags & mattresses
- all park entrance fees
- plenty of food & bottled mineral water
- Excluding:
-
- alcoholic drinks
- Day 1:
- We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via debark (the small town) you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low land areas to the north and west. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. The gelada baboon, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey because their coat is shaggy resembling a lion, whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The gelada baboon can be found in good numbers and is quite easy to approach. Sankaber camp is situated at an altitude of 3250 meters on an impressive view point between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla. Before you arrive the camp you have about 2hrs. walk
- Day 2:
- From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5-6hrs). The initial stages of this path lead through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpement. One of the best views is of theJinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss.After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village. In this area, cultivation is done in a two-year cycle. One side of the valley is planted whilst the other side lies fallow. You will notice extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of the combination of such factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. We pause in Geech village as we are invited into one of the local houses for acoffee ceremony. Here you will participate in this very important social tradition of Ethiopia as well as gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle.Just above Geech village is the campsite which will serve as your base for two nights. The campsite has great views of the mountains and is characterized bygiant Lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 meters in height and may live for as long as twenty years, at which point they first flower before dying.
Day 3:
Walk from Geech to the three stanning places namely Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedadit and then walk back to Geech camp, overnight at Geech camp.
Day 4:
Walk from Geech to a place called Ambaras; it takes about two hours to get to the main road and that is a place where we meet the driver with the jeep. Then as soon as you arrive in Ambaras you will start driving to Gonder via Debark, about five hours driving!
5-Day Tour
- Including:
-
- 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
- guide
- scout
- cook & cooking materials
- mule(s) & mule handler
- tent
- sleeping bags & mattresses
- all park entrance fees
- plenty of food & bottled mineral water
- Excluding:
-
- alcoholic drinks
- Day 1:
- We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via Debark (the small town) you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low land areas to the north and west. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. The gelada baboon, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey because their coat is shaggy resembling a lion, whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The gelada baboon can be found in good numbers is quite easy to approach. Sankaber camp is situated at an altitude of 3250 meters on an impressive view point between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla. Before you arrive the camp you have about 2hrs. walk.
- Day 2:
- From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5-6hrs). The initial stages of this path leads through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpement. One of the best views is of theJinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village. In this area, cultivation is done in a two-year cycle. One side of the valley is planted whilst the other side lies fallow. You will notice extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of the combination of such factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. We pause inGeech village as we are invited into one of the local houses for a coffee ceremony. Here you will participate in this very important social tradition of Ethiopia as well as gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle. Just above Geech village is the campsite which will serve as your base for two nights. The campsite has great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 meters in height and may live for as long as twenty years, at which point they first flower before dying.
- Day 3:
- Walk from Geech to the three stanning places namely Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedadit and then walk back to Geech camp, overnight here.
- Day 4:
- Walk from Geech to Chenek via Imet gogo. If you are lucky you might see the Ethiopian wolf. Time taken to complete this hike is about 7-8hrs and then overnight at Chenek.
- Day 5:
- Walk from Chenek to Bwahit Ras which is 4200mas and back to the camp site. The car will then meet you in the morning and drive you to Gonder, which takes about five hours via Debark.
6-Day Tour
- Including:
-
- 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
- guide
- scout
- cook & cooking materials
- mule(s) & mule handler
- tent
- sleeping bags & mattresses
- all park entrance fees
- plenty of food & bottled mineral water
- Excluding:
-
- alcoholic drinks
- Day 1:
- We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via Debark (the small town) you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low land areas. To the north and west you will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. The gelada baboon, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey because their coat is shaggy resembling a lion, whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The gelada baboon can be found in good numbers and is quite easy to approach. Sankaber camp is situated at an altitude of 3250 meters on an impressive view point between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla. Before you arrive the camp you have about 2hrs. walk
- Day 2 :
- From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5-6hrs). The initial stages of this path leads through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpement. One of the best views is of theJinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village. In this area, cultivation is done in a two-year cycle. One side of the valley is planted whilst the other side lies fallow. You will notice extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of the combination of such factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. We pause inGeech village as we are invited into one of the local houses for a coffee ceremony. Here you will participate in this very important social tradition of Ethiopia as well as gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle. Just above Geech village is the campsite which will serve as your base for two nights. The campsite has great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 meters in height and may live for as long as twenty years, at which point they first flower before dying.
- Day 3:
- Walk from Geech to the three stanning places namely Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedadit and then walk back to Geech camp , overnight here.
- Day 4:
- Walk from Geech to Chenek via Imet gogo. If you are lucky you might see the Ethiopian wolf. Time taken to complete this hike is about 7-8hrs and then overnight at Chenek.
- Day 5:
- Walk from Chenek to Bwahit Mt which is the second highest point in the Simien Mountains, 4443mas. About five hours trekking from the camp till the point and back to the campsite again and sleep the second night at Chenek camp.
- Day 6:
- Drive from Chenek to Gonder as soon as you get ready to leave, it takes about five hours driving via Debark till Gonder.
7-Day Tour
- Including:
-
- 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
- guide
- scout
- cook & cooking materials
- mule(s) & mule handler
- tent
- sleeping bags & mattresses
- all park entrance fees
- plenty of food & bottled mineral water
- Excluding:
-
- alcoholic drinks
- Day 1:
- We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via Debark (the small town) you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low land areas to the north and west. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. The gelada baboon, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey because their coat is shaggy resembling a lion, whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The gelada baboon can be found in good numbers and is quite easy to approach. Sankaber camp is situated at an altitude of 3250 meters on an impressive view point between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla. Before you arrive the camp you have about 2hrs.
- Day 2:
- Walk from Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5-6hrs). The initial stages of this path leads through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpement. One of the best views is of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village. In this area, cultivation is done in a two-year cycle. One side of the valley is planted whilst the other side lies fallow. You will notice extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of the combination of such factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. We pause in Geech village as we are invited into one of the local houses for a coffee ceremony. Here you will participate in this very important social tradition of Ethiopia as well as gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle. Just above Geech village is the campsite which will serve as your base for two nights. The campsite has great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 meters in height and may live for as long as twenty years, at which point they first flower before dying.
- Day 3:
- Walk from Geech to the three stunning places namely Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedadit and then walk back to Geech camp , overnight there.
- Day 4:
- Walk from Geech to Chenek via Imet gogo.If you are lucky you migt see the Ethiopian wolf. Time taken to complete this hike is about 7-8hrs and then over night here at Chenek.
- Day 5:
- Walk from Chenek to Bwahit Mt which is the second highest point in the Simien Mountains ( 4443mas). It is about five hours trekking from the camp till the peak and back to the campsite again and sleep the second night at Chenek camp.
- Day 6:
- Walk from Cheneck to the first camp site called Sankaber, on the way you could see the amazing village which is built on the cliff face, it takes about five to six hours to get to Sankaber. Overnight at Sankaber camp site…
- Day 7:
- The car will be there and drive us to Gonder via Debark about four hours driving…
8-Day Tour
- Including:
-
- 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
- guide
- scout
- cook & cooking materials
- mule(s) & mule handler
- tent
- sleeping bags & mattresses
- all park entrance fees
- plenty of food & bottled mineral water
- Excluding:
-
- alcoholic drinks
- Day 1:
- We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via Debark (the small town); you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low land areas to the north and west; you will very likely encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. The gelada baboon, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey because their coat is shaggy resembling a lion whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The gelada baboon can be found in good numbers and is quite easy to approach. Sankaber camp is situated at an altitude of 3250 meters on an impressive view point between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla. Before you arrive at the camp you have about 2hrs walk.
- Day 2:
- From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5-6hrs). The initial stages of this path leads through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpement. One of the best views is of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village. In this area, cultivation is done in a two-year cycle. One side of the valley is planted whilst the other side lies fallow. You will notice extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of the combination of such factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. We pause in Geech village as we are invited into one of the local houses for a coffee ceremony. Here you will participate in this very important social tradition of Ethiopia as well as gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle. Just above Geech village is the campsite which will serve as your base for two nights. The campsite has great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 meters in height and may live for as long as twenty years, at which point they first flower before dying.
- Day 3:
- Walk from Geech to Imet Gogo, Saha and Kedatit.These three places are perhaps the most spectacular places in the simien mountains. The time taken to complete this hike is about 5-6hrs and then back to Geech Camp and overnight here.
- Day 4:
- The trek from Geech to Chenek covers approximately twelve kilometres (six to seven hours), following a path along the escarpment edge. Just before arriving into Chenek you will encounter the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4070 metres – this viewpoint is actually a gap in the precipitous cliff – which reveals impressive views of the steep mountain faces to the west and the lowlands areas to the left. The tightly clustered houses (tukuls) that form the village of Dihwara , tucked below a cliff, are also visible from this viewpoint. Chenek campsite is spectacularly located in a beautiful valley at the foot of theBwahit Peak. Strategically placed benches allow for the opportunity to take in the expansive views back toward Imet Gogo, especially beautiful in both the dawn and dusk light. A large troop of gelada baboons are common here and Walia Ibex are also often seen on the rocky escarpment edges here.
- Day 5:
- Today is the longest trekking day so far, consisting of a total of about ten hours. From Chenek camp, 3650 metres, the path to Ambiquo campsite crosses through B wahit Pass. Leaving Chenek you will be faced with a two-hour ascent to the top of B wahit Pass at 4200 metres. From the top of the pass views open up to the east over Mesheha Valley to the Dashen mountain range. Looking back the impressive rock formations of Imet Gogo loom large. FromBwahit Pass the path leads steeply down and across the Mesheha Valley. Here you will notice an increase in temperature as you descend down to the Mesheha River at 2800 metres before climbing slightly to reach Ambiquo campsite at an altitude of 3100 metres.
- Day 6:
- Today is summit day involving a trek of sixteen kilometres (ten to eleven hours)! The path will wind its way over eight kilometres and ascending over 1400 metres to Ras Dashen. To begin the path climbs steeply through barley fields and fallow land before clearing the vegetation zone and reaching mountain steppe at around 3700 metres . From there the path flattens out as it traverses ridges in the shadow of Ras Dashen. Just below Dashen Pass, at around 4250 meters, an impressive moraine can be distinguished. A moraine is material transported by a glacier and then deposited. This moraine was formed 20,000 – 14,000 years ago in the last ice age when the Simien Mountain tops had small ice caps. The final stretch to the summit involves an exciting climb / scramble up and over large boulders to the summit. From atop the summit of Ras Dashen, 4543 meters, you will be mesmerized by the far-ranging view which spans more than ten thousand square kilometres. On the west the steep faces of peaks in the National Park are visible whilst to the north and east the Tekeze valley is visible. From the summit you will need to return along the same path to return to your camp at Ambiko. This campsite, situated along the banks of a stream and amidst a small village, is a project of the local church and a donation for the facilities is gratefully accepted.
- Day 7:
- Walk from Ambiko to Chenek via the same way. It takes about seven to eight hours walking; stay the night in Chenek camp site.
- Day 8:
- Drive from Chenek to Gonder via Debark, about five hours driving…
9-Day Tour
- Including:
-
- 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
- guide
- scout
- cook & cooking materials
- mule(s) & mule handler
- tent
- sleeping bags & mattresses
- all park entrance fees
- plenty of food & bottled mineral water
- Excluding:
-
- alcoholic drinks
- Day 1:
- In the cool of the morning, we will make the 2 to 3 hour drive from Gondar to Debark. This is a small market town at an altitude of 2700 meters close to the boundary of the Simien Mountains National Park. Here, an armed scout-one of the park regulations joins you. Then we drive towards Sankaber where you walk the last couple of 2 hours of the day to your camp for the night.
- Day 2:
- Today we will meet the muleteers and the trek equipment is loaded on to their mules. Starting out, you descend in the Michwahtis valley and begin the climb up the other side, making a short diversion to see one of the most impressive sights in the Simien Mountains, where the Jinbar River plummets into the Geech Abyss.
- Day 3:
- The route today takes us along the edge of the escarpment to the promontory and a small peak known as Imet gogo. From here you descend into an open, grassy valley filled with 3 and 4-meter tall giant Lobelias. The Chenek campsite offers superb views across to the opposite escarpment and the prominent peak of Imet gogo.
- Day 4:
- To reach the village of Ambiquo at the foot of Ras Dashen, you must initially climb up above your camp towards Amba Bhawit (4477m.), the second highest mountain in the range. At 4200m you pass through Bhauit pass. Here, you will also get your first sighting of the Ras Dashen (4620m), the highest point in a wall of cliffs and peaks on the skyline. Crossing the Mesheha River after more than 1000 meters of descent, you climb steeply to the village of Ambiquo, where we will camp for night.
- Day 5:
- Today’s climb to the highest point in Ethiopia, the summit of Ras Dashen, requires a dawn start. You climb slowly and steadily through giant Lobelia forests, passing the tiny, perched village of Mizma and gaining an area of open pasture where there are herds of cattle and goats with their attendant herdsmen. The triple-summited bulk of Ras Dashen looms above and it is far from obvious which of these is the highest. Finally, after 5 hours of ascent, you reach steeper, rocky ground and a short scramble to the cairned summit. We usually take an hours rest on top to enjoy the views that, in clear weather, extend to North of Ethiopia. A 3 hour descent takes you back to the campsite in Ambiquo.
- Day 6:
- Rather than retracing your trek to Sankaber (which is the usual Simien Mountains trek) we have chosen to extend the itinerary and make the return towards Gondar through the lowlands, which will give you the chance to see a greater range of the Ethiopian countryside. Descending from your camp at Ambiquo for an hour, you then have an easy 3-hour stroll, heading back westwards to the camping place in Arkwaziye (3600m.).
- Day 7:
- A day of descent, as you head for the village of Makarabia in the region known as Lamo. You are leaving behind the high plateau and your route crosses several major ridges before dropping 1000meters alongside Ansiya River to the rarely visited lowlands. It becomes progressively warmer as you descend to the camp at Loma (2000m).
- Day 8:
- An easy day, contouring far below the escarpment on a trail, which passes through scrub and stands of palm trees. You have plenty of opportunity to interact with the local people and learn a little about their way of life. Set beneath towering rock pinnacles. The campsite faces across the valley to a circle of mountains with Amba Tsion in the center.
- Day 9:
- A final short stroll of a little over 2-hours takes you to the market town of Adi Arkay (1700m). Here you say goodbye to your trek crew, have a look around the bazaar and then board the car for the drive back to Gonder.
Hello,
I’d like to get a price list for 3 and 4 day hike in the mountains in the middle of May.
Best regards,
Anastasiya
I am interested in the 6 day hike for October, and am a single traveler interested in joining others. Are there any scheduled trips for October? What is the price? If not, what is cost for single traveler?
Thanks for enquiring, I have forwarded your message on to samuel.kassaw@gmail.com
Good day
I would like to inquire about the trekking in Ethiopia, could you send me your price list for the 6/7/8 day tour. What is typically a good time of year to trek in the Simien mountains. We will be coming from South Africa
Hi Anthea,
Very sorry for the delayed response, I am much more responsive via email. If you are still interested in booking a tour then feel free to email me at: samuel.kassaw@gmail.com.
Thank you